How do Straw Exercises Help the Voice Get Better? #voicetherapy

With normal voice production, the lungs push air between the vocal cords causing them to vibrate. In order for vibration to occur, enough air pressure must also develop below the vocal cords. Known as subglottic pressure, there needs to be a match between this pressure and how tightly the vocal cords are positioned together. Vocal problems and fatigue occur when there is a mismatch or imbalance between the subglottic pressure and the vocal cords which are closed together against this pressure. Vocalization through a thin straw puts the vocal folds in the most optimum position and shape for vibration. Known as semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT), this is accomplished by creating pressure above the vocal cords to partially negate the pressure from below. As such, voicing becomes easier with the better position and shape of the vocal folds, especially to help start a clear easy sound whether the vocal cords are too stiff, or too tight from muscle tension dysphonia, or whether they are swollen due to i